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The outbreak of the 2nd. World War in September 1939 caused major disruption within the game similar to that which had been seen in the 1914 - 1918 conflict. Thus, there was no County Championship from the end of the 1938-39 season until after the war ended.
Some rugby did take place often involving teams from the armed forces and, as in the 1st. World War games saw a coming together of the two rugby codes. A report dated 29th. March 1941 indicates a Northumberland XV beating a Catterick Garrison XV 11-6. The Catterick team included 3 England and 3 Wales internationals but the report goes on to point out that these internationals were in the Rugby League code. A return match on April 5th. featured 3 England and 5 Welsh league internationals.
Scratch sides named Northumberland area XV and later Northumberland Army XV played at intervals until at least 1943, usually raising money for charities.
Immediately after the war county rugby started to revive but the Championship was not resumed until the 1946-47 season.
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